MR. AESTAS GUEST REVIEW – THE DARK DUET by CJ ROBERTS

I’m Aestas’ worser half. You can call me “Mr. Aestas”, but that makes me feel like I should be cutting my perfect little green lawn with scissors. So maybe let’s decide on a new name for me.

Anyway, I’m very grateful to you all for being so nice to my girl, even if you do steal her away for long periods of time. It’s worth it, because when she’s doing her blog thing or reading the books for her blog thing, she’s so happy. And that makes me happy, so thank you.

As surprising as this might sound, I do actually read some of these books. I even enjoy them! I’ve read Fifty Shades of Grey, Twilight, Beautiful Disaster, Bared to You, Thoughtless & Effortless, and a bunch of other stuff.

I know, I know. They aren’t really “man-books.” Well, actually, they are definitely “man-books”, but not books FOR men. I mean, a lot of the time it’s just good old fashion hot & sexy, and I’m just fine with that. But other times… Well, you know what I’m talking about. I won’t lie; I’ve had moments where I just put down the book for a while because I can’t stand to read another steamy description of someone’s soapy, rock-hard…abs. And stuff.

It’s a bit of a long story. I accompanied Aestas to the Book Event in Boston, and I had the pleasure of meeting several authors, including C.J. Roberts. C.J. and I had a long and fascinating conversation about writing and characters and all sorts of stuff like that, which I really enjoyed, but I came out feeling really chagrined. You see, I hadn’t read her books!

So I made a promise, and kept it. I’ve now read Captive and Seduced. I had to take a break of a few days between the two, but I started Captive at 2:00am and finished at 7:00am. Yeah. It’s one of those books.

Anyway, ever since then Aestas has been bombarded me with the same question, over and over: What did you think?

Here’s the answer.

Wow.

It’s hard to put it all to words. The story C.J. has put down here is unlike anything else I’ve ever read. It’s rough and raw, often painfully so. I don’t think I can describe this book. I don’t feel like it can be summarized. It’s one of those books where all you can say is “Just read it.”

And you know what? I really liked it.

CJ’s work is powerful, it’s merciless, and it really just gives no fucks. It will punch you in the gut, again and again. It doesn’t try to glamorize or whitewash the evil and the wrong, or try to justify anything with sob stories and hand-waving. It’s got so much grit between its pages I think you could probably tear out a few pages and use them to sand down a hardwood floor.

But for some crazy reason I really liked it.

I really meant it when I said these books are honest. These books make the *reader* honest. They really make you face the fact that there are no moral absolutes. They make *you* realize that the things you thought you’d never be okay with – well, that you actually might be okay with them sometimes. Given what happens in this book, there are troubling realizations. They force you to come to terms with the fact that love doesn’t always make sense. They also force you to respect the truth, make you understand that every detail of a person’s past and character is important. These books are shocking because they show how truly cruel and disgusting people can be, but they’re also uplifting because they show that anyone can change. So, just as I’d advise you to leave your expensive jewellery at home if you’re going to tour the world, you may as well leave your moral absolutes at the door. One way or another, you won’t have them when you’re finished with this book.

I was so impressed with Olivia. This girl has fire. She never stopped fighting for what *she* wanted. She went through all kinds of hell, and came up swinging every time. But at the same time, she never lied to herself. She saw Caleb for who and what he was, the good and the bad. At times, she made me feel like the weak one, reading the book. When I wanted to jump into the story and beat the shit out of Caleb, she’d find some way to make me want to give him a hug, or at least not punch him. Other times, I started to feel like maybe Caleb wasn’t so bad, she’d slap me back down and keep his action in perspective with some scathing observation about his general assholery.

Caleb is a guy who is so fucked up, twisted and broken that you’d never think he’d ever be anything other than a monster. He doesn’t have a dozen sports cars, or a private jet, and he isn’t wildly famous (finally, a male character I could relate to!), aaand he’s a complete monster (or not :/ ). He’s the worst he could possibly be, in fact, and what CJ does with the character is incredible – one of the highlights of the book. I can honestly say that I’ve never had my opinion of a character change so much.

And here’s where I tip my metaphorical hat to CJ. A lot of books try to do that kind of stuff, but they fall short for two reasons. First, they aren’t believable. Oftentimes, a bad guy becomes good with the flip of the page. The author just snaps their fingers, throws words like “love” at you, and poof! Count Dracula has become Edward Cullen, and you’re just sitting there wondering WTF just happened. Secondly, a lot of these *bad guys* aren’t convincingly bad enough to begin with to really make you impressed at their transformation. They’re all like “Well, I got a tattoo with my parent’s permission once…”, or “Please stay away from me, because I’m very likely to hurt your feelings and treat you badly” or like “Yeah, I ran over a puppy. It was by accident, but I’m a monster!” This is not what bad guys do! Bad guys hit you in the face and take your car!

But Caleb isn’t one of these wannabe bad guys. Not even close. He’s got “bad” down pat. He’s really a horrible, evil guy. And yet, by the time CJ was done, he had become a totally different man, and more importantly, I could actually believe it. It was profoundly moving to see him change, by slow and painful degrees, into a better person. Not an amazing, Disney-esque prince charming. He was just…good enough.

As a man, reading this book was especially unsettling. I mean, Caleb –is- a bad guy. I won’t go into the details since some of you may not have read these (If so, shame! Shame! SHAME! Now that I’ve read it, you have no excuse!), but he’s essentially a predator, and Olivia is his prey. He does what he wants with her, and he’s often quite brutal and cruel. I’ve got certain protective instincts, and I found myself gritting my teeth or clenching my fists at certain points.

You just *don’t* do that shit.

But it made sense that he would, and somehow CJ made it make sense that Olivia could come to terms with it. It wasn’t perfect, but who the hell has, or wants, perfect? They were a believable couple, and I breathed a sigh of relief at the ending. It was inspirational, in a very special way, to have watched two people overcome so much, in a way that felt real. I felt like, if they can do that for each other, then so can anyone else. All you have to do is risk everything for the other person, and be willing to tear yourself down and build yourself back up if it turns out that you’re the problem.

This is getting long, so I’ll wrap this up.

This book is good. Really good. It’s got an amazing central story and a powerful romance, with some thought-provoking stuff in there and lots of hot sex (yes!). Even better, it’s got a unique world populated by interesting characters complex enough to warrant their own books. I really enjoyed it, and I highly recommend it.

And that concludes my first…review? I guess it was. I hope you enjoyed reading it, or just gawking at the curious case of a Guy Who Read a Dark and Gritty Romance Novel and Liked It. Either way, thank you all, and keep reading!

Comments

I liked your review Mr. Aestas, I liked your introduction more! it was hilarious, specially this bit:
know, I know. They aren’t really “man-books.” Well, actually, they are definitely “man-books”, but not books FOR men. I mean, a lot of the time it’s just good old fashion hot & sexy, and I’m just fine with that. But other times… Well, you know what I’m talking about. I won’t lie; I’ve had moments where I just put down the book for a while because I can’t stand to read another steamy description of someone’s soapy, rock-hard…abs. And stuff.
Good review! and I’m glad you enjoyed the book. I liked it too; it was a mind fuck!

Wow! That was an amazing review Mr. Aestas! Much like your talented wife. You were spot on with your observations and insights into both characters. I especially like the way you discuss Caleb’s character transformation. He is a monster, yet he slowly and painstakingly becomes so much more. These are some of absolute, most favorite books ever. You did them proud!!

Aestas… I think I just fell in love with your husband! Just kidding, but honestly he reads like us AND likes them? Dream man, hands down! I loved his review and the way her talked about you in the beginning 🙂 would love to read more from him. I hope to find someone who so closely mimics our many book boyfriends.

Mr. Aestas, great review! Thanks for taking the time to write one. I’m always wondering what men will think of these books-it was great to see your thoughts right there on the screen.

Hahahahaha! Man-books! Mrs. Aestas is a lucky woman to have such a supportive husband. I read these over the weekend and had a very hard time accepting Olivia and Caleb’s relationship. She is a hostage! How can she trust her feelings for this crazy, abusive guy!? I’m hoping the epilogue book addresses their issues because they both need some serious help. Have you read Consequences and Truth by Aleatha Romig? I think both of those may quality as “man-books”.

Anyhow, thanks for your male perspective. It’s cool to get another point of view.

Great review, Mr. Aestas! I really appreciate your honesty and perspective. I have these books waiting for me on my kindle but haven’t been ready for them. I think this summer will be the time for me to go for it. Thank you for the encouragement!

I loved it Mr Aestas! Keep them coming. I think men have a great perspective we don’t often hear in relation to our book fetishes. I believe this is one series my hubby too would enjoy. Thanks for your input. Bravo!

“Anyway, I’m very grateful to you all for being so nice to my girl, even if you do steal her away for long periods of time. It’s worth it, because when she’s doing her blog thing or reading the books for her blog thing, she’s so happy. And that makes me happy, so thank you.”
Mr. Aesta is a keeper! Loved the review.

Thank you for your review from a man’s point of view. I have to tell you, I kept thinking “wow… They both are good at writing reviews”. I have avoided buying this book because of the subject matter but after reading your review, I bought both books.

I bought these books on sale a while back…now that I’ve read your amazing review I feel ashamed that I haven’t read them yet! I will move them to the top of my TBR list. Thanks for your honest opinion ^_^

Dude..did you ever get it right or what! I finished both books this weekend (after reading CITD before, not ‘getting it’ and returning) and am still reeling from the raw power of the writing, the story, the characters, the emotions, the disgust, the thrills and the ultimate redemption. And the most disturbing thing of all is the fact that human trafficking does occur…more than we know. There remain Olivias and Calebs and Rafiqs today. Thanks for your words…the Aestases rock!

Great review Mr. Aestas! I agree the story is a must read that makes you think. I often wonder what men will think of these books if they actually read them, I think it would be great-it was nice to see your thoughts the male point of view expressed. Looks like the start of team blog… 🙂

Loved this review….I couldn’t be happier for Aestas that she has you supporting her, because I for one adore her….so glad you read the same books,….I love that you said the book had enough grit to sand a floor…next I must insist you read Consequences and it’s sequel Truth by Aleatha Romig….I would be happier than a kid with cake to read your review of those gems

OHHH MY GAWWWD! That was freaking awesome. I feel like the review needs a review and it gets 5 stars. Smartly written review. This was such a great idea hopefully we will see more guest reviews by Mr. Aestas.
Now I want my hubby to read this series !

What a great review! You hit the nail on the head with this review! The way you describe your feelings of this book is exactly how it is and I hope more people give this series a chance! C. J. is truly an amazing author!

Enjoyed your review. It is good for us *gals* to hear that our *men* GET US! I read these books months ago, and now after this review, which was amazing, I think I need to go back and read again.
Would enjoy more of your reviews Mr. Aestas!

“Oftentimes, a bad guy becomes good with the flip of the page. The author just snaps their fingers, throws words like “love” at you, and poof! Count Dracula has become Edward Cullen, and you’re just sitting there wondering WTF just happened.”

I just nearly spat out my tea. Holy hell that was funny! You hit the nail on the head though, Mr Aestas, I feel this review, and agree with every single word of it. I salute you, sir. Brillant!

A match made in book review heaven. I have been putting off reading these because I have read similar books lately, and now, after reading Mr. Aesta’s take on tthe books, I am really excited to get started. It is very interesting to get a man’s perspective of the kinds of books we read. I was surprised by some of his takes on the themes. My husband will ask what I’m reading, just to be polite, and when I tell him, he gives me the same question, “Why on Earth do you want to read about that when you got me right here?” So I read him a few pages of some stuff, and it always ends in the same place- ahem, 🙂 I appreciate that Mr. Aestas said that the books made him question what he thought was morally unacceptable, and finding that sometimes, certain things can be a little okay, even if we always felt them be wrong on an absolute level. Thought I was the person who switched back and forth. Of course, I am sure that in real life, wrong is wrong, but in book land we can make it okay in order to maximize the experience of reading. Thanks to both of you for the great review. I enjoyed reading it, and hopefully there will be more to come.

I LOVED your review and would like to see MANY more in the future. You have the “gift”. I especially like your descriptions, like “assholery”, that’s an AWESOME word! It was very refreshing to get your POV and I was quite impressed with your insight. And yes, you convinced me that I need to read this series.

That was awesome!!! I think “Mr. Aestas” needs his own spot on the blog for his man reviews. I loved his gritty approach, and his introduction was priceless! Very well done!!! 🙂 5 Star review for his review 🙂

Wow, fantastic review Mr. A! I totally appreciate the male point of view of this story. Having read these books, I was stunned that a man would want to read them but now after hearing your thoughts, I want my husband to give them a try just to see his reaction! Awesome job!

Oh what a treat to have a man’s perspective. That actually put the book in a whole new light for me. I know that this book is tough and I wasn’t prepared mentally and emotionally yet to read it but I have just moved it up on my list (cause it was on my list to read already) just was waiting for when I felt strong enough to tackle it. Thank you so much for this honest review Mr. A. I can feel the honesty and sincerity in them. Oh and I commend you for letting us readers share and benefit from the time and effort given to us (taken from you) for Aestas’ time 🙂

these are a couple of my favorite books for sure–i was truly on an emotional rollercoaster ride while reading them! i thought your review was awesome and really enjoyed reading a male perspective of the books. thanks so much and i hope we have more of your reviews in the future Mr. Aestas.

OMG what a great review – I never laughed so hard in my life – you are awesome and I hope we get to read more of your reviews. Love hearing from a “guys” point of view. I am off to get the books now. Thanks

Great review!
Aestas, you have to get that man of yours to guest review regularly! A man’s take on a book that we all have read is pretty rare. Having one be a natural at reviewing is, no doubt, rarer still!
I’d love to see a review from “Mr A” of a book that he maybe DIDN’T like so much even though we ladies loved it. And not because of all the rock hard….ab scenes. I’d love to find out a more fundamental reason why a male reader would dislike a book that women all seem to love. (if that has ever been the case with you and Mr. A)